The Problem with Knowledge

"Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up."
1 Corinthians 8:1b

The goal of the Christian life should always be to seek God, mature in Christ, and keep in step with the Holy Spirit. Many Christians devote their lives to this pursuit. Unfortunately, some do not. They are content to live in the same spiritual place. It is to those who are pursuing God that I write these words. It is a word of caution as you continue on your spiritual journey.
    The longer we know God, the more we know about God. The more we read his Word, the more we know about his Word. This is important and will lead us into deeper things, but we cannot rely on knowledge. It must be accompanied, in fact it must always be secondary, to the primary call of the Christian life, love. There is a sobering reminder of this truth in James 2:19, "You believe there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that--and shudder." Knowledge by itself, will serve to puff us up. It appeals to the pride we may struggle with. So, we cannot depend on knowledge.
    The true measure of the growth of a Christian is the manifestation of love. Our love for God and others must increase. Love cannot be shattered or deflated. It is solid, built on the foundation of Christ. Knowledge, by itself, can deflate like a slumping cake, when challenged by opposition. The foundation of our life must be love. To this, we should add knowledge of God and his Word.
    All the knowledge in the world, all the spiritual gifts available, are not enough. These things flow through the foundation of love. So let's become greater lovers of God and people. When we do this, knowledge of God and his ways will follow. He is first and foremost, the Lover of our souls. When we learn to love, we learn his character, and this is a foundation that cannot be shaken.